Academics

The Graduate School of Nursing offers academic programs in masters, post-masters and doctoral degrees, preparing students, professionals and advanced practice nurses for faculty, research and other nursing leadership positions.

Our faculty are committed to student learning and actively practice in acute and community care settings and health care organizations.

The GSN is one of only three nursing schools in New England based at an academic health sciences center, sharing campus resources and facilities with its clinical partner and medical school, as well as the Office Graduate Medical Education (GME). Such proximity allows us to be at the forefront of interprofessional education.

Continuing Education

UMass GSN Continuing Education (CE) Courses are provided to allow students (non-matriculated students) the opportunity to take a course to further their professional and/or academic goals. Courses are available for the traditional learner on campus and for the non-traditional learner who seeks opportunities for online learning.

Faculty and Staff

The Graduate School of Nursing (GSN) educational program is delivered by a distinguished faculty whose educational approach promotes lifelong learning through partnerships and interprofessional collaboration in an academic health center environment. The faculty are dedicated to identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to promote national distinction and innovation in professional and advanced nursing education, research and clinical service.

Students

Graduate nursing education builds on the liberal arts and sciences and major concentrations of undergraduate education. The GSN supports graduate students as they prepare for and transition into roles as advanced practice nurses, leaders, and scientists by providing them with programs of study that are organized for adult learners, and that meet national and state standards.

Alumni

As UMass Medical School alumni reflect on the value and excellence of their education, many show their gratitude by supporting the school through generous gifts to one of several funds. Alumni support is critical for enhancing the student experience, developing educational programs of national distinction and ultimately, providing exceptional health care.

Interprofessional Education Mission

The Graduate School of Nursing offers academic programs in master's, post-master's and doctoral degrees, preparing registered professional and advanced practice nurses within nurse practitioner and nurse educator specialties and for faculty, research and other nursing leadership positions.

The GSN is part of the University of Massachusetts Medical School which also includes the School of Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. All three schools participate together in interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives including IPE clerkships. In 2009, core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice were developed nationally by six schools of health professionals including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and public health as a foundation for collaborative practice and education. An interprofessional education resource was developed through a Partner’s Investing in Nursing’s Future Grant. Collaborative initiatives include human patient simulation (HPS) team training, community & population health experiences, and IPE clinical work.

Our educational program has benefited in recent years from major investments in state-of-the-art educational technology and medical simulation and additional enhancements of our labs and Observed Standardized Patient Clinical Experience (OSCE) housed in the Albert Sherman Center, a new research and education building on campus which opened in Spring 2013 where teaching and student space are among the priorities. A library guide of GSN Resources and Information page is available to refer to many educational-related resources including nursing organizations, databases, listserves, and related information.

Commonwealth Medicinewhich is dedicated to improving health care for people in need, has played an instrumental role in the GSN in launching the Graduate Entry Pathway in the Graduate School of Nursing as a response to the growing need for professional nursing staff. Cooperative training and practicum opportunities that encourage public service are also undertaken with the GSN students and program.

The GSN is also a founding member of the Worcester Nursing Pipeline Consortium (WNPC), which increases enrollment, retention, graduation and academic advancement of qualified nursing students and nurses committed to improving health care in Central Massachusetts.

This is an official Page of the University of Massachusetts Medical School